NRL Round 17 Preview and Prediction - Gold Coast Titans v St.George Illawarra Dragons @ CBUS Super Stadium

Gold Coast Titans v St. George Illawarra Dragons @ CBUS Super Stadium
 
Preview - The Titans will be aiming for back-to-back wins for just the second time this season when they host the Dragons on Friday night at CBUS Super Stadium. The Titans kept their slim finals’ hopes alive last week with a convincing 26-14 over the struggling Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium. The Dragons got their season back on track with a wild 32-28 victory over the Knights at Kogarah. The Dragons were left shell shocked at halftime having conceded 5 tries in 15 minutes to trail 28-10, before a second half surge saw them claim their 9th win of the season  to remain in 6th spot. 
 
History - These 2 teams have been very evenly matched over the past 5 seasons, with both Clubs claiming 5 victories in the last 10 encounters. Last season when the sides met on the Gold Coast, the Titans gave the Dragons a hiding winning 32-12 in Round 19. However, traditionally when these sides clash it has been close with 10 of the last 17 games having been decided by 6 points or less. Overall, the Dragons hold an 11 wins to 6 advantage over the Titans. 
 
Gold Coast Titans’ Scouting Report - The Titans receive a much needed injection of quality and experience in the backs and forwards this game with both Tyrone Roberts and Chris Macqueen due back from injury. Winger Anthony Don is in some doubt with a leg injury, however is expected to play. 
 
St. George Illawarra Dragons’ Scouting Report - The Dragons have made a significant change this week in the side with utility Kurt Mann replacing Josh McCrone at halfback who sits back on the bench. The Dragons have lost their enforcer, Paul Vaughn, up front who is out for a month with a calf injury, however they do welcome back Jack De Belin from his one week suspension. 
 
Verdict - Dragons by 1-6 in a high scoring game

Despite being very shaky last week, I think the Dragons would have taken some confidence from their win over the Knights. I know they let in 28 points, however it was 5 times in a frantic 15 minute period, and in the second half the Dragons found some of their attacking mojo to score 22 unanswered points and storm home to victory. The Titans, despite their victory last week, still have a lot of question marks over them, as that win was against a Wests Tigers’ side that would struggle to beat a Reserve Grade side at the moment. I think this game will be close and I think it will be high scoring, with both sides playing bit loose of late. However, I just trust the Dragons to put in a more consistent 80 minute performance at this stage, given they are playing for a Top 4 or Top 8 position at the end of the season.